Pet Safety During the Holidays

With the holidays right around the corner, all the holiday festivities, parties, decorations, visitors, and deliveries, we don’t realize that there can be unforeseen dangers lurking in the shadows for our pets.
 
This time of year, I become a more avid online shopper, which means more deliveries to my home. I don’t know about you, but my dogs love it when the doorbell rings or someone is knocking on my door! With the excitement of who is there (or it could be protectiveness), it’s easy for them to slip right out the door as you are bringing in a package or signing for delivery.
 
Since I have five dogs, it’s easier for me to gate off the area to the door. For most, who may only have one or two dogs, keeping a leash by the door and making sure they have their collars on (with the ID tag with your current name and phone number) for such an occasion will help in case they decide to make a mad dash out the door. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, you might consider having that done. That way, if they do sneak out, they’re more likely to be returned to you. You can talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of this simple procedure. Even your local Tractor Supply Company has monthly vet clinics that do microchipping!
 
Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without the decorations: lights, greenery, Christmas trees and plants. That’s a lot of temptation for a dog! Just think of all the electrical cords for the lights on the tree or around the house. Keep all cords hidden or covered out of reach of curious pups who might think they would be a tasty treat.
 
If you’re anything like me, I want to make my Christmas tree last for as long as I can with very minimal needle loss. Adding a water additive to Christmas trees can be hazardous to your pets. They don’t know that it’s dangerous; they just see it as “I need a drink and here is water.”
 
The lower part of my Christmas tree (no matter how silly it may look) is pretty much bare. I don’t place any ornament where my dogs can simply reach or jump and knock it off the tree. Broken ornaments can cause injury and if they are ingested, they could cause a blockage requiring surgery or even be toxic if it’s homemade. Tinsel is another holiday favorite to watch out for. Many things can happen if your dog tries to eat tinsel. It could wrap or get stuck around their tongue, teeth, or stomach, not passing through the intestines as it should. This can cause extreme pain and could be life-threatening.
 
Decorating with festive plants and flowers could result in a trip to the emergency room if you don’t keep them out of reach.

Amaryllis, poinsettias, pine, mistletoe, balsam, cedar, and holly are among the common holiday plants that can be dangerous and even poisonous to pets who decide to eat them. The ASPCA website offers a list of plants that are toxic to both cats and dogs.

Each of my dogs is very different in their personalities. I have one who gets anxious around strangers and when there is a lot of commotion going on. I have one partially blind dog; I have two very loveable but also excitable dogs; and last but not least one very protective dog. So, if you’re planning a get-together or a holiday party you should inform your guests ahead of time that you have pets.
 
Provide a safe place for your pet to escape the excitement should they want a break from all the festivities. Make sure your pet has a room or crate somewhere away from the commotion, where your guests won’t follow, and that it can go to any time it wants to get away. You should consider placing pets that are nervous or excitable around visitors in another room or a crate with a favorite toy and or comfortable bed or blanket.
 
Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home. While you’re welcoming hungry guests and collecting coats, a four-legged family member may make a break for it out the door and become lost.
 
Keep people's food out of the reach of your pet and ask your guests to do the same. Make sure your pet doesn’t have any access to treats, especially those containing chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions, or other toxic foods.
 
Clear your table, counters, and serving areas when you’re done using them – and make sure the trash gets put where your pet can’t reach it. A turkey or chicken carcass or other large quantities of meat sitting out on the carving table or left in a trash container that is easily opened could be deadly to your family pet. Dispose of carcasses and bones – and anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags, and packaging – in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed locked door).
 
Nothing can spoil holiday cheer like an emergency visit to a veterinary clinic.
 
by Tracy Yun Johnson
Dec 21, et. Country Culture